capable

adjective

ˈkā-pə-bəl How to pronounce capable (audio)
Definition of capablenext
as in suitable
having the required skills for an acceptable level of performance a capable and efficient editor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of capable Still, this would likely be a limited slice of overall economic activity in a world where AI is more capable than humans. — Geoffrey Irving, Time, 3 Oct. 2026 Ladish helped build Anthropic's security team from September 2021 to October 2022 before leaving to found Palisade Research, which studies whether humans can remain in control of increasingly capable AI systems. — James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026 Two quarterbacks that are capable of going into the game and playing well. — Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 3 Oct. 2026 Given the destruction in Gaza and the ongoing security crises in the West Bank, Palestinians clearly strongly desire a leader capable of bringing order and stability. — Michael Robbins, Foreign Affairs, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for capable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capable
  1. suitable
  2. qualified
  3. competent
  4. able
Adjective
  • The program aims to keep used textiles out of general waste and mixed recycling bins, preserve clothing for reuse and improve the supply of material suitable for fiber-to-fiber recycling.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Secondhand platforms helped the team pinpoint suitable dupes for décor and furniture.
    — Mekita Rivas, Architectural Digest, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of suitable
Adjective
  • While the 28-year-old hit 19 homers and stole 41 bases, his 98 wRC+ ranked 14th among qualified second basemen.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, of the 105 political parties and groupings qualified to participate, only 33 had successfully submitted their membership lists.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of qualified
Adjective
  • Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, 36, of Florida was deemed mentally competent by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Maria Cavalluzzi, meaning the criminal case can proceed after a competency evaluation delayed it for more than four months.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
  • In a room full of fascists and fools, Ahmed’s projection of competence—and of the spluttering exasperation that is the lot of the competent—proves a genuine balm.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of competent
Adjective
  • Startups that were founded within the past five years or funded within the past two years are able to apply, according to Anthropic.
    — Justina Lee, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Regulatory concerns began to rise, with growing uncertainty that Netflix would be able to close its deal in short order.
    — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of able

Browse Nearby Words

capability
capable
capableness
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Cite this Entry

“Capable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capable. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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